Skippers closed - other roads assessed

Skippers Road is closed until further notice with slips and washouts at various locations in the wake of the weekend rain deluge, Queenstown Lakes District Council roading manager Ian Marshall said.

“The road has been narrowed in places and there are drop-outs.” Mr Marshall said.

The notorious Blue Slip had come down and was impassable, with various other slips on the Branches Road.

In the Glenorchy area, most slips/washouts had been attended to.

“Precipice Creek is still passable but major bridge repairs are required. Dan’s Paddock on Paradise Road is passable by 4WD only,” Mr Marshall said.

Nearer Queenstown, the Moonlight Track at Arthurs Point required care due to slumping and a drop-out on the side of the road.

At Wanaka, the Hawea Back Road, the West Wanaka Road and the Motatapu Road all had washouts passable by 4WD vehicles, only.

A bridge abutment had washed out on the Mead Road and the bridge closed. Other damage included the Mt Aspiring Road and Newcastle Road at Hawea Flat.

“We will affect repairs as conditions allow,” Mr Marshall said.

He thanked the many contractors that had been active on keeping roads open and safe throughout the weekend.